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    When does Puka Nacua return? Latest updates for Rams WR
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    When does Puka Nacua return? Latest updates for Rams WR

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    The Los Angeles Rams are 2-4 heading into their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. It's been a frustrating start to the season for the Rams.

    In Week 2, they lost wide receiver Cooper Kupp to a high ankle sprain.

    The Rams had already suffered a major setback to their offense when Puka Nacua limped off the field before halftime in Week 1. Last season, Nacua set rookie records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486). The running distance record lasted 63 years. Nacua has been on injured reserve since the Rams' season opener.

    Here's the latest on Puka Nacua's injury and possible return:

    When does Puka Nacua return?

    On Tuesday, October 22, the Rams announced that Puka Nacua was officially scheduled to return from IR. He has returned to training and is recovering from a Grade 2 PCL strain.

    He could return as early as Week 8 on Thursday against the Vikings. The Rams listed him as questionable after he played two consecutive limited workouts.

    Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur told reporters on Oct. 22 that Nacua's status for Thursday night's game had yet to be determined. He noticed that the 23-year-old receiver hadn't trained at full speed in a long time. LaFleur stated, “I haven't seen him on the field since the Detroit game on Sunday night, so to at least have him with us and coming back is a pretty good deal.”

    With Kupp expected to return Thursday, the Rams could take a precautionary approach with Nacua. Los Angeles plays the Seahawks on the road in Week 9 on Sunday. It's plausible that the Rams will return him to practice this week and wait for Nacua to complete full workouts before their divisional showdown with Seattle.

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    When was Puka Nacua's injury?

    Nacua suffered his injury in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season when the Rams played the Detroit Lions.

    Nacua limped off the field after making a sliding catch on a third-down play in the first half. He slowly got up from the turf and hobbled to the sideline before the coaching staff looked at him.

    Nacua's injury likely pre-existed. He missed a significant amount of time in training camp due to a knee injury, but returned to practice on August 26 and was listed as a full practice participant in the days leading up to Week 1.

    His grade 2 PCL strain did not require surgery. Nacua has rehabilitated himself with the team and the coaches.

    Rams WR depth chart

    With Cooper Kupp set to return in Week 8 and Puka Nacua still sidelined, here's what the Rams depth chart looks like at wide receiver:

    The veteran Robinson took on a larger role alongside Tutu Atwell and rookie sixth-round pick Jordan Whittington. The rookie is currently dealing with a shoulder injury and is not expected to play in Week 8.

    Atwell leads the team with 332 yards and 34 targets since Week 2.

    What is the NFL's 21-day practice window?

    The 21-day training window is the three-week period in which teams see how far a player has come since being placed on injured reserve (IR). When a player is cleared to return to football, the 21-day window can be opened. The team has 21 days to either add the player to the active roster or exclude him for the remainder of the season.

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